1. Introduction

Welcome to Ashwood Book Publishers. These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our website and services, including manuscript submissions, editing, publishing, and distribution. By accessing our website or engaging in any of our services, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms.

Ashwood Book Publishers reserves the right to update or modify these Terms at any time without prior notice. Continued use of our services after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. We recommend reviewing this page periodically for updates.

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you should discontinue using our services immediately.

Key Points:

• These Terms apply to all users, including authors, readers, and business partners.
• Your use of Ashwood Book Publishers’ services constitutes your acceptance of these Terms.
• We may update these Terms without prior notice.

2. Definitions

For the purpose of these Terms and Conditions, the following definitions apply:

• "Company," "We," "Us," or "Our" refers to Ashwood Book Publishers, including its website, services, and representatives.
• "User" or "You" refers to any individual, author, reader, or business entity accessing our website or using our services.
• "Services" refers to all publishing-related services offered by Ashwood Book Publishers, including but not limited to manuscript submission, editing, formatting, book cover design, publishing, marketing, and distribution.
• "Content" refers to any written, visual, or digital material provided by the user or created by Ashwood Book Publishers, including manuscripts, book covers, promotional materials, and website content.
• "Publishing Agreement" refers to any contract entered into between an author and Ashwood Book Publishers outlining the terms of publication.
• "Intellectual Property" refers to copyrights, trademarks, and any other proprietary rights related to books, manuscripts, and designs.
• "Third-Party Services" refers to external platforms or providers used in connection with publishing, such as book retailers, print-on-demand services, or marketing agencies.

3. Use of the Website

By accessing and using the Ashwood Book Publishers website, you agree to comply with the following terms of use:

3.1 Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years old or have parental/guardian consent to use our website and services.
• By using our website, you confirm that the information you provide is accurate and that you have the legal authority to enter into agreements with us.

3.2 Permitted Use

• You may use our website to browse services, submit manuscripts, make inquiries, and access publishing resources.
• You agree to use our website in accordance with applicable laws and these Terms.

3.3 Prohibited Activities

You must not:

• Use the website for unlawful, fraudulent, or misleading purposes.
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the website, servers, or systems.
• Copy, modify, distribute, or exploit any content from our website without permission.
• Submit false, defamatory, or offensive material.
• Engage in spamming, hacking, or any activity that disrupts website functionality.

3.4 Intellectual Property Rights

• All content on this website, including text, images, logos, and service descriptions, is the property of Ashwood Book Publishers or its licensors and is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws.
• You may not reproduce, republish, or use any content from our website without written permission.

3.5 Account Security

• If you create an account with us, you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials.
• Any activity occurring under your account is your responsibility. Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access.

Ashwood Book Publishers reserves the right to restrict or terminate access to the website if these terms are violated.

4. Publishing Services

Ashwood Book Publishers offers a range of publishing services, including manuscript evaluation, editing, formatting, cover design, printing, distribution, and marketing. By submitting your work for publication, you agree to the following terms:

4.1 Manuscript Submission

• Authors must submit original content that they own the rights to.
• Submission does not guarantee publication. We reserve the right to accept or reject any manuscript at our discretion.

4.2 Editorial and Production Process

• Manuscripts may go through editing, proofreading, and formatting before publication.
• Authors will have the opportunity to review and approve edits before finalizing the book.
• Once approved, no further changes can be made unless agreed upon in writing.

4.3 Author Responsibilities

• Authors must provide accurate information, including their legal name, contact details, and tax-related documentation if required.
• Authors must ensure that submitted content does not infringe on third-party rights, including copyrights, trademarks, or privacy laws.
• Authors are responsible for reviewing and approving all final files before publication.

4.4 Book Cover Design and Illustrations

• If Ashwood Book Publishers provides cover design or illustrations, the author will receive a final design for approval before publication.
• Any requested revisions must be within the scope of the selected package. Additional changes may incur extra fees.
• Cover designs created by Ashwood Book Publishers may not be used elsewhere without written permission.

4.5 Printing and Distribution

• We offer print-on-demand and distribution through various online and retail platforms.
• Pricing, royalties, and distribution channels will be outlined in the publishing agreement.
• While we assist with distribution, Ashwood Book Publishers is not responsible for the policies, delays, or decisions of third-party retailers.

4.6 Marketing and Promotional Services

• Marketing services (if included) may include social media promotion, press releases, and advertising.
• While we strive to enhance book visibility, we do not guarantee specific sales or revenue outcomes.

Ashwood Book Publishers reserves the right to update or modify its publishing services to meet industry standards and business requirements.

5. Pricing and Payments

Ashwood Book Publishers offers various publishing, editing, and marketing services, each with specific pricing. By purchasing our services, you agree to the following payment terms:

5.1 Service Pricing

• Pricing for publishing packages and individual services is displayed on our website or provided upon request.
• All prices are quoted in USD (or the specified currency) and are subject to change without prior notice.

5.2 Payment Terms

• Payment is required in full or through an agreed-upon installment plan before services begin.
• For installment payments, work will proceed according to the payment schedule. Delayed payments may result in service interruptions.
• Accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and other methods specified on our website.

5.3 Late Payments & Non-Payment

• If a payment is missed, we may suspend or delay services until the outstanding balance is cleared.
• If a payment remains unpaid for more than 30 days, we reserve the right to cancel the project without a refund.

5.4 Taxes & Additional Fees

• Prices do not include applicable taxes, bank processing fees, or currency conversion charges.
• International clients are responsible for any taxes, duties, or additional costs imposed by their country of residence.

5.5 Payment Security

• All transactions are securely processed through encrypted payment gateways.
• Ashwood Book Publishers does not store credit card or payment details.

By making a payment, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

6. Revision Policy

Ashwood Book Publishers offers revisions based on the selected publishing package to ensure the highest quality of work. By requesting revisions, you agree to the following terms:

6.1 Number of Revisions

• The number of revisions allowed is based on the package purchased.
• Additional revisions beyond the allotted number may be subject to extra charges.
• Revisions must be requested within the specified timeframe after receiving the draft.

6.2 Revision Scope

• Revisions apply to editing, formatting, book cover design, and marketing materials, as specified in the package.
• Revisions are for modifications and refinements and do not include major content rewrites, structural changes, or new material additions unless explicitly agreed upon.
• If major changes are required, they may be treated as a new service and charged accordingly.

6.3 Turnaround Time for Revisions

• Standard revision requests are processed within 48-72 hours (2-3 business days).
• Complex changes may require additional time, and authors will be notified of any delays.

6.4 Limitations on Revisions

• Once an author has approved the final version of any content, no further revisions will be accepted.
• If an author requests a significant change after final approval, additional fees will apply.

Ashwood Book Publishers is committed to working with authors to refine their work within reasonable limits. However, excessive or last-minute changes outside the agreed revision terms may lead to additional costs and extended timelines.

7. Turnaround Time

Ashwood Book Publishers is committed to delivering high-quality services within reasonable timeframes. Turnaround times may vary depending on the type of service and project complexity. By using our services, you agree to the following conditions:

7.1 Standard Turnaround Times

• Editing & Proofreading: Typically completed within 7-14 business days, depending on the manuscript length.
• Formatting & Layout Design: Generally requires 5-10 business days, based on project complexity.
• Cover Design & Illustrations: Initial concepts are delivered within 5-7 business days, with revisions taking 2-3 additional business days per request.
• Publishing & Distribution: The time required for book approval and release on various platforms varies. Digital publishing may take 7-14 business days, while print publishing can take 3-6 weeks depending on distribution channels.
• Marketing Services: Execution timelines vary depending on the selected package, but most campaigns begin within 7-10 business days after approval.

7.2 Revisions & Response Time

• Revisions for editing, formatting, and design are typically completed within 48-72 hours.
• Delays in author responses or approvals may extend the overall turnaround time.

7.3 Rush Orders

• Expedited services may be available for an additional fee. Contact customer support for urgent requests.

7.4 External Factors & Delays

• Turnaround times are estimates and are subject to change based on workload, complexity, and external factors (e.g., delays from third-party publishing platforms).
• Ashwood Book Publishers is not responsible for delays caused by incomplete author submissions, delayed approvals, or third-party service providers.

We strive to meet all deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards. If any delays arise, we will notify the author as soon as possible.

8. Refund & Cancellation Policy

Ashwood Book Publishers offers a 100% Refund on all its publishing services; however, this refund is subject to certain conditions and limitations.

8.1 Conditions Where Refunds Are Not Applicable

Ashwood Book Publishers’ Refund Policy will be void if:

• The author has chosen a special or custom package that includes tailored publishing services.
• The editing, formatting, or book cover design has been approved by the author.
• The book has been finalized, published, printed, or distributed on any platform.
• The author has requested or approved revisions to their manuscript, cover, or formatting.
• A 30% administrative charge will be applied to all orders canceled within 24 hours, provided that work has not been initiated. If work has started, the refund policy will be void.
• The author has not contacted the company for more than 2 weeks regarding the project.
• The author has violated company policies or the terms of their publishing agreement.
• The author has engaged another publishing company or editor for the same manuscript while under contract with Ashwood Book Publishers.
• The provided manuscript lacks essential details or does not meet submission requirements.
• The author demands a complete change in book content, formatting, or design beyond the agreed revisions.
• The refund request is made outside the designated refund period.
• The business or author decides to withdraw, rebrand, or halt the publishing process due to reasons unrelated to our services.
• Personal reasons such as "change of mind," "disagreement with a partner," or "business closure" will not be valid grounds for a refund.
• If an author has received multiple rounds of revisions (editing, formatting, or design), they may be eligible for a 50% refund after a discussion with their Publishing Manager.

The final refund decision is at the sole discretion of Ashwood Book Publishers' management and is considered final and binding.

8.2 Refund Policy for Service Bundles

• If an author purchases a publishing package, but is dissatisfied with a specific service within the package, a refund will only be applicable to that specific service and not the entire package.
• Cancellations made before project initiation for reasons unrelated to our services will be subject to a 33% administrative cancellation fee.

8.3 Ownership Rights After a Refund

• If a refund is granted, all work completed by Ashwood Book Publishers (including edited manuscripts, formatted book files, and cover designs) will remain the property of Ashwood Book Publishers.
• The author cannot use, distribute, or publish any refunded work unless explicitly permitted in writing.

8.4 Services Not Eligible for Refunds

The following services are not eligible for refunds under any circumstances and are not covered by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee:

• ISBN registration and copyright protection
• Printing and distribution fees
• Website domain purchase or hosting
• Marketing services, including book promotions, SEO, and advertising campaigns
• Social media marketing and PR campaigns
• Google Ads or other digital advertising services
• Book maintenance and post-publication support

For services that do not fall under our 100% refund policy, Ashwood Book Publishers' management may, at their discretion, offer a partial refund after reviewing the project details.

Ashwood Book Publishers reserves the right to reject any project or cancel a contract at its sole discretion. In such cases, applicable refunds will be processed based on the conditions stated above.

9. Design Ownership & Rights

Ashwood Book Publishers provides book cover designs, illustrations, and formatting services as part of its publishing packages. This section outlines the ownership and usage rights associated with these design elements.

9.1 Ownership of Final Designs

• Upon final approval and full payment, the author receives exclusive rights to the final book cover design and interior formatting created by Ashwood Book Publishers.
• The author may use the approved design for book-related marketing, promotions, and distribution.

9.2 Ashwood Book Publishers’ Rights

• Ashwood Book Publishers retains non-exclusive rights to display the book cover and design elements in its portfolio, website, and marketing materials.
• If an author requests a custom cover redesign, the previous design remains the property of Ashwood Book Publishers and cannot be reused or modified without permission.

9.3 Restrictions on Design Modifications

• The author may not modify, alter, or resell the final cover design or formatting without prior written consent.
• Any significant modifications to the cover or interior layout should be requested through Ashwood Book Publishers to maintain design integrity.

9.4 Third-Party Design Elements

• If stock images, fonts, or illustrations from third-party sources are used in the design, the author’s usage rights are subject to the license agreements of those assets.
• The author may need to obtain additional licensing if they intend to use design elements beyond the agreed scope (e.g., merchandising, adaptations).

9.5 Design Revision Policy

• Revisions to book covers or formatting are subject to the revision policy outlined in Section 6.
• Major design changes after final approval may require additional fees.

Ashwood Book Publishers ensures professional-quality designs while maintaining fair ownership rights for authors.

10. Content Creation & Population

Ashwood Book Publishers provides content creation and population services, including book descriptions, author bios, and website content. By using these services, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:

10.1 Author’s Responsibility for Content

• The author is responsible for providing accurate and complete information for book descriptions, author bios, and any additional content.
• Any factual inaccuracies, misleading statements, or unverified claims in the provided content are the sole responsibility of the author.

10.2 Content Created by Ashwood Book Publishers

• If content creation services are included in the publishing package, Ashwood Book Publishers may provide:
• Book descriptions for online platforms and marketing.
• Author biographies for book covers, websites, and promotional materials.
• Metadata such as keywords and categories for book listings.
• The author has the right to review and request minor revisions before final approval.
• Content created by Ashwood Book Publishers is for the author’s exclusive use for book-related promotions and distribution.

10.3 Content Population for Websites & Listings

• If Ashwood Book Publishers assists in website content population, the service includes uploading text, images, and product details as provided or approved by the author.
• Ashwood Book Publishers is not responsible for creating additional content beyond what was agreed upon in the publishing package.

10.4 Use of Stock Images & Third-Party Content

• If stock images or third-party content are used in book marketing or website population, they remain the property of their respective owners.
• Licensing restrictions may apply, and the author must obtain proper usage rights for any modifications or reuse outside of the agreed scope.

10.5 Content Accuracy & Final Approval

• The author must review and approve all content before publication.
• Once approved, Ashwood Book Publishers is not liable for errors, omissions, or disputes regarding content accuracy.

We aim to provide high-quality, engaging content that enhances the author’s brand and book visibility while ensuring compliance with publishing standards.

11. NDA & Reputation Management Policy

Ashwood Book Publishers is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of our clients’ work and ensuring a professional relationship between authors and our company. This section outlines our Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and Reputation Management Policy.

11.1 Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

• All manuscripts, book ideas, and unpublished content submitted to Ashwood Book Publishers are treated as confidential.
• We will not share, distribute, or disclose any part of your manuscript, personal information, or publishing details to third parties without explicit written consent.
• Employees, editors, designers, and contractors working with Ashwood Book Publishers are bound by confidentiality agreements to protect your intellectual property.
• The NDA remains in effect even after the completion of services, ensuring long-term confidentiality.

11.2 Exceptions to Confidentiality

• Confidentiality does not apply if:
• The information becomes publicly available through no fault of Ashwood Book Publishers.
• The author provides written consent to disclose certain details for promotional purposes.
• Disclosure is required by law, court order, or regulatory authorities.

11.3 Reputation Management Policy

• Ashwood Book Publishers and the author agree not to intentionally defame, disparage, or spread misleading information about each other.
• Any concerns or dissatisfaction should be addressed through formal communication (email, customer support, or dispute resolution) before making public statements.
• Publicly posting false claims, defamatory reviews, or harmful content about Ashwood Book Publishers may result in legal action.
• Likewise, Ashwood Book Publishers commits to handling all feedback professionally and ensuring a fair resolution of any disputes.

11.4 Non-Disparagement Agreement

• Both parties agree that after project completion, they will refrain from making negative public statements that could harm the other party’s reputation.
• This includes online reviews, social media comments, or third-party complaints without first attempting to resolve the issue privately.

Ashwood Book Publishers is dedicated to upholding professionalism, confidentiality, and mutual respect in all client interactions.